Test Details: TORCH panel is used to detect infections in pregnant women which may be passed on to a fetus during pregnancy. Early detection and treatment of an infection can prevent complications in new-borns. This test includes Toxoplasmosis (T), Rubella (German measles) (R), Cytomegalovirus (C) and Herpes simplex virus (H). An infection by the above pathogens induces the immune system of the body to produce antibodies called immunoglobulins, mainly IgG and IgM against them. IgM is produced and detected in blood immediately after infection and confers short term protection. IgG is produced in blood sometime after the infection occurs and persists longer. It is responsible for long-term protection from subsequent infections of the same pathogen. This tests detect the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies produced by the body in response to these infections.